Howdy!

Greetings from the hot and humid tropical paradise of the Philippine Islands! OK, perhaps the paradise is a bit of an exaggeration, but the weather this evening is quite lovely :)

Things have been flying during the past few weeks. We finished our sixth session of classes on September 17th and jumped right into Session 7 the next Monday, September 19! I don't know how the others are holding up, but I've been struggling to keep ahead of all my classes and obligations this session. My schedule is pretty crazy. On Monday I have one class, "Can We Believe the Bible?", for which I am currently editing a course textbook for use in our classes. Tuesday I am helping Dad with our Teacher Training program by listening to and critiquing our student teachers. Wednesday I am teaching our course about the "Parables of Jesus" which goes over parables like the Pearl of Great Price, the Sower, and other parables which are so helpful to us all. Thursdays I assist Dad in teaching our Greek 3 students. We have been going through the books of 1 John, 1 Peter and James in Greek and are currently in James 3. Fridays I have been given the wonderful opportunity to teach a class at the Pardo National High School to a group of about 40 students in the afternoon. Saturdays I am still teaching our older group of students, ranging from 7 to 13 years old. Needless to say, I am just a little busy :). I'm so glad to be busy though! It is such a joy to be involved in so much and I ask your prayers to keep all the classes and students at the BSC (or outside) in your prayers.

On the family front, our newest addition to the bunch has been, as I believe the expression is, eating like a horse! Lily eats continuously and has grown so much! She has just recently started smiling at people and it is quite a joy to see :). Andrew and Sean are getting into as much as they can, which is normal for a two year old, so I've heard. Rach and Clint are doing well, though they have some late nights due to the irregular schedule of a newborn. Jon and Gina are doing good as well, keeping busy at the BSC and taking care of their ball of energy. Mom and Dad have been working on their house and are currently building a shed on the roof deck of their house. My parents continually put me to shame with their energy and eagerness to continue in the work, though they work from morning till night and still come in for classes at night. Ronnie and RJ are keeping busy with their training, trying to manage the busy schedule required for Greek 3 and Teacher Training, along with their other responsibilities. Amy is still struggling with her back issues and has found a basic routine that works for her, but she still has pain and doesn't sleep like she should. She and I have our paperwork in order for our Missionary Visa application to be processed, which may take a while. Please pray for that, along with our health and the success of the work.

Thank you so much for your interest in our work and your prayers! I hope and pray this note finds you and your family well! God bless you all!

In him,
Sara Murrell